It's all about returning to balance. We'll use a really simple technique that will help bring you back to your natural rhythm of breath with the Fibonacci sequence.
Breathe In - 5 counts
Hold - 3 counts
Breathe Out - 8 counts
Repeat 9 times
The Fibonacci sequence can be found in so many places in nature. The sequence is a series of numbers in a specific pattern: 0, 1, 1, 2 , 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc. The pattern is that if you add the first two numbers together you get the third number (0 + 1 = 1). Then you take the second and third numbers and add those together to get the fourth number (1 + 1 = 2). The pattern continues with this until, well, forever! Flower petals grow in this type of pattern, typically in 3s, 5s, or 8s. Tree trunks and branches also exhibit this sequence along with spiral shaped shells and even your ear! The spiral shapes get a little more complicated with how the sequence shows up since it gets into fractions, but you can still find the Fibonacci sequence in these things too.
Combining the mathematical expression of nature with the breath, we can begin to bring our logical stressed out mind back into a natural state of relaxation. Your eyes can be open or closed for this breath work. We will start by breathing in for 5 counts, holding for 3 counts, and breathing out for 8 counts. Then repeat 9 times. If you notice, I may have switched the 3 and the 5 in the sequence. I've found that you can achieve the same great results either way you breath. Plus, it's so much easier when you're just learning to really breath and to control your breath to have a little more time to breath in. If you master the 5-3-8 pattern, feel free to give 3-5-8 a try!
This is something that can be used as a daily practice or even while driving! You might want to keep those eyes open if you're on the road though...just sayin...
Pro Tip:
Tap your thumb on each finger of your hand after you've completed a round of breath to keep track!
Like how you feel? Check out our Courses & Consultations and listen to more meditations on our Break Free podcast!